CUE OWE ME

Hearn hopes Ronnie will say thanks for helping hand he gave snooker's biggest star

- HECTOR NUNNS

BARRY HEARN reckons maverick genius Ronnie O’Sullivan will thank him one day – just as boxer Chris Eubank did in a shock phone call. 

The Rocket, snooker’s biggest box office star for three decades, remains world No.1 and joint holder with Stephen Hendry of the record for world titles with seven.

But O’Sullivan’s relationship with both the game and the authorities has often been strained before finding more peace since turning to renowned sports psychiatrist Steve Peters in 2011.

Though former World Snooker supremo Hearn always acknowledged O’Sullivan’s unique ability, there have been many public spats that fuelled the player’s reputation as antiestablishment.